Sustainability

SharpGrade Sustainability Policy 2025

This Sustainability Policy applies to the activities and operations of SharpGrade New Zealand and USA.

Business Vision and Values

We design, manufacture and service hydraulic industrial and mobile systems, and aspire to do so in a way that is environmentally sustainable, socially beneficial, and contributes to the economy.

Sustainability is a long-term strategy embedded into the full life cycle of our products, services, and projects. Our commitment to sustainability and lean manufacturing is reflected in our design focus: simple, elegant, low-maintenance, and energy-efficient products.

Through our work, we aim to:

Design and manufacture excellent products and provide outstanding services to our customers.
Minimise environmental and social impacts by integrating sustainability principles across our operations.
Be a model for sustainable business practices that inspire other companies and individuals.

Commitment and Compliance

Prevent pollution and improve environmental performance through effective controls.
Comply with all applicable laws and regulations in every region we operate.
Communicate our sustainability policy to all stakeholders and interested parties.

Sustainability Objectives

Continuously improve the environmental performance of our manufacturing operations.
Maximize process efficiency and minimize environmental impact in product design and material selection.
Embrace the principles of Zero Waste by reducing waste, reusing materials, and exploring recycling opportunities.
Build a sustainable and socially responsible supply chain by prioritizing suppliers who share our sustainability values.

Communication and Culture

We actively communicate our sustainability vision internally and externally through:

Employee advertisements and employment agreements.
New employee induction programs including zero-waste training.
Supervisor-led encouragement of sustainable workplace practices.

SharpGrade Practical Examples of Sustainability

Recycling Systems

Office Areas:

Paper/Cardboard and Plastics sorted weekly

Staffroom:

Food waste sorted for worm farm or Bokashi composting
Recycling bins for paper, plastics, cans, etc.
Non-recyclables like wax paper and chewing gum separated

Workshop & Main Collection:

Weekly collections for clean cardboard, clear plastic film, etc.
Recycling of metals, batteries, PET, milk bottles, glass, and more
Creative reuse: hard plastics donated for arts and crafts materials where safe

Building Design

Fully insulated floors with high-density foam
Natural lighting via tall windows, skylights, and interior glass
All lighting upgraded to energy-efficient LEDs
Double-door entry for thermal insulation
Concrete floor treated to resist oil and water
Natural ventilation and heat-insulating window coatings
Heating via clean-burning pellet fire

Everyday Sustainable Practices

Mass-produced, recyclable components used in product design
Lean inventory strategy to avoid waste and obsolescence
Recyclable packaging requested from suppliers
Duplex printing and paper reuse in the office
All devices and lights turned off after hours
Fuel-efficient, low-emission diesel vehicles used
Vehicles washed on grass to reuse water
High-efficiency air compressor system
Biodegradable cutting fluids in machine tools
Reusing lightly soiled rags for spills
Grass clippings composted and used in garden
Use of eco-friendly cleaning and kitchen products
High-rated energy-efficient dishwasher
Biodegradable plates and wooden cutlery at events